Missouri’s fraud statutes cover forged documents, misused credit and debit cards, and stolen identities. Forgery is a felony at any value, while credit card fraud and identity theft become felonies based on how much was obtained.
This guide covers forgery under RSMo 570.090, fraudulent use of a credit or debit device under RSMo 570.130, and identity theft under RSMo 570.223, including the felony thresholds and how these cases are defended.
Forgery
Is forgery a felony in Missouri?
Yes. Forgery is a class D felony regardless of the amount involved.
Under RSMo 570.090, a person commits forgery if, with the purpose to defraud, they:
- Make, complete, alter, or authenticate a writing so that it appears to have been made by someone else, at another time, with different terms, or with authority that was not given;
- Erase, obliterate, or destroy a writing;
- Make or alter something other than a writing, including receipts and UPC codes, to make it appear genuine when it is not; or
- Use as genuine, possess to use as genuine, or transfer, a writing or item they know has been forged or altered.
Forgery is a class D felony, up to seven years. Signing someone else’s name on a check, altering a receipt to return merchandise, and passing a check one knows is forged are common examples.
Cards and identity
When is credit card fraud or identity theft a felony in Missouri?
When the value crosses a threshold.
Fraudulent use of a credit or debit device
Using a card knowing it is stolen, forged, revoked, or otherwise unauthorized. A class A misdemeanor, but a class E felony if the property or services obtained or sought within any 30-day period are worth $750 or more. RSMo 570.130.
Identity theft
Knowingly, with intent to deceive or defraud, obtaining, possessing, transferring, or using someone else’s means of identification. A class D felony if more than $750 and up to $25,000 is obtained, a class C felony above $25,000 and up to $75,000, and a class B felony above $75,000. Lower amounts are misdemeanors. RSMo 570.223.
Stealing a credit or debit card itself is a separate class D felony at any value under Missouri’s stealing statute. Identity theft also carries civil liability to the victim of up to $5,000 per incident or three times actual damages, and the court can order restitution, including the victim’s costs of repairing their credit.
State or federal
Can fraud charges be brought in federal court instead?
Yes, when federal agencies are involved or the scheme is larger.
The same conduct can also violate federal law, including bank fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence. Cases involving banks, multiple victims, interstate activity, or federal benefits are more likely to be prosecuted federally.
See federal bank fraud, wire and mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
Defenses
How do you defend a forgery or identity theft charge?
Intent, authority, and value.
- Purpose to defraud. Forgery and identity theft both require intent to deceive or defraud. Signing a relative’s name with permission, or using a shared account under an honest belief of authority, is not a crime.
- Authority. Family members, business partners, and caregivers often have real or apparent authority. The details of that authority matter.
- Knowledge. For using a forged document or an unauthorized card, the State must prove the person knew it was forged or unauthorized.
- Value. For card fraud and identity theft, the felony class depends on proven value.
- Identity. Video, IP addresses, and account records often leave room to dispute who actually used the card or information.
FAQ
Missouri fraud questions
What class felony is forgery in Missouri?
Forgery is a class D felony under RSMo 570.090, punishable by up to seven years, regardless of the amount involved.
Is using someone else’s debit card a felony in Missouri?
Knowingly using an unauthorized card is a class A misdemeanor, or a class E felony if $750 or more is obtained or sought within 30 days.
Is identity theft a felony in Missouri?
It is a felony when more than $750 is obtained: class D up to $25,000, class C up to $75,000, and class B above $75,000.
Is altering a receipt forgery?
It can be. RSMo 570.090 specifically covers altering receipts and UPC codes with the purpose to defraud.
Can forgery be expunged in Missouri?
Many class D felonies can be expunged after the waiting period if the rest of the record qualifies. Eligibility depends on the full history.
See our felony theft and property crime defense page, or call 573-638-8529.
Talk to us
Authority and intent are usually the case.
If you are charged with forgery, card fraud, or identity theft in Missouri, call before you talk to the bank, the store, or police.
Attorney advertising. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. This article is general information about Missouri law as of October 2026, not legal advice, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. The outcome of any case depends on its facts.
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